After an accident, one of the first things you need to do is contact the police. Even if your accident was a very minor one, it needs to be on record with law enforcement. You and the other driver may be inclined to handle it between yourselves, but it is not advisable to do so. There are many reasons to call the police after a fender bender, including the following:

If You Have Any Damage To Your Vehicle

The police need to be involved if you or the other driver had any type of damage to your vehicles, no matter how insignificant. You will need to have the damage documented in a police report to make sure that the insurance company compensates you for it. The insurer may request a police report before they will process a claim, so it is a good idea to have the accident on record.

No Insurance

You also need to have the police involved if the other driver does not have insurance. After an accident, the other driver may try to convince you to allow them to pay for your damage out of pocket if it was his or her fault. However, that could be a sign that they have no insurance, which could mean they leave you hanging when it is time to pay for the damage. The police can help you get the appropriate insurance information from the other driver and advise you on what to do if they are uninsured.

Disputing Who Is At Fault

Another great reason for involving the police is to help determine who is truly at fault for the accident. If there is any question at all, the police will investigate and determine the guilty party. They will look at the scene, talk to witnesses, and obtain statements from you and the other driver. They will also look at the highway or street signs to see if there are any obstructions that could have caused the accident, skid marks from tires, and so on. They will also help calm any potential arguments between you and the other driver if it goes that far.

If you are in any type of car accident, it is necessary to call the police department. It is best to have the entire incident documented in case you need that information for the insurer or even for an attorney if you have to resort to legal help to get compensation. For more information on what to do after a car accident, talk to an auto accident attorney like those at the Law Offices of Burton J. Hass.

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